To get out a splinter which is beneath the nail, pare the nail carefully, over the splinter, making a narrow groove, until its upper end is exposed. Then, with a pair of small nippers or tweezers, or less easily with a thumb and finger, one may seize and draw it out. When a nail is injured or destroyed, it grows from above, that is in the direction of the length of the finger or toe, downwards or forwards. This can easily be observed on watching the change of position of marks made and left by the injury, as the nail is gradually restored.